Blessed with an opportunity to headline yet another big-time card, Joseph Diaz is well aware that his time in the pugilistic spotlight will come to an end if he doesn't perform to the best of his abilities.

On October 29th, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Diaz will be asked to withstand the pernicious knockout power of William Zepeda. While viewed as a top contender at 135-pounds, Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KOs) was thoroughly outclassed against Devin Haney in late December.

Considering his most recent showing, Diaz believes that a loss against Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) could be detrimental to his career.

“I know that this fight is gonna set up the winner with a mega fight," said Diaz to a group of reporters. "I’m taking it very, very serious. I’m taking it like it’s a sink or swim type of fight.”

Long before Diaz inked his name on the dotted line to take on the power-punching contender from San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, the 29-year-old did his best to talk his way into a matchup against Ryan Garcia.

Presently, even with the loquacious and popular star making the move to 140-pounds, Diaz is hopeful that a win over Zepeda will lead to more meaningful fights with even larger paychecks. As the former super featherweight titlist moves forward with his preparation, he takes a moment to carefully sift over the names that Zepeda has shared the ring with.

While Diaz candidly acknowledges that his 26-year-old foe has serious pop in both fists, he snickers when asked if he should be viewed as Zepeda’s sternest opponent. Though he respects his well-established resume, Diaz is simply of the belief that Zepeda has yet to face anyone even close to his caliber.

“William Zepeda has a good resume. He’s 26-0 with 23 knockouts but he’s never fought a guy as experienced as me, as slick as me, as strong as me, as fast as me, as accurate as me. I’m an all-around arsenal fighter.”